Casey vowed neutrality but now backs Obama

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Without mentioning Casey's previous pledge to stay neutral, Obama called the endorsement meaningful.

"I understood that you know we're behind in the Pennsylvania polls," Obama told Casey during the event. "I just want to say it would have been easy for Bob just to stay out of it, just to stay neutral... but when he called me and said, I think this is the right thing to do, it meant as much to me as any endorsement that I've received on the campaign trail."

In addition to trailing in various polls, Obama also trails significantly in Pennsylvania superdelegate endorsements, according to Madonna. By his count only four support Obama, while Clinton has the backing of 12, including Gov. Ed Rendell and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter.

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Madonna said the Casey endorsement may siphon off some of Clinton's support among white, working class, catholic voters.

He said the Casey family's social conservatism has historically done well with so-called Reagan Democrats. "In Pennsylvania, they're called 'Casey Democrats,''" Madonna added.

The effect of Casey's support may be immeasurable during the Pennsylvania primary on April 22 but it can be seen as definite superdelegate boost. And in the wake of New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson's recent Obama endorsement, some Democratic strategists are wondering if a movement is afoot; a movement of superdelegates going against the grain of their state.

"The Casey endorsement may move other superdelegates to jump on the Obama bandwagon sooner rather than later," said Democratic strategist Stephanie Cutter.

"It seems that the [superdelegate] race was stuck and today's endorsement may just shake it loose."